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Gauteng Motorists Face R4,000 Fines, Impoundment for Unroadworthy Vehicles Ahead of Easter
Gauteng motorists face fines of up to R4,000 if they neglect regular vehicle checks and maintenance, risking breakdowns during the busy Easter holiday rush.
The stern warning comes from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as thousands prepare to hit the roads.
The Scale of the Problem
Recent RTMC figures reveal a staggering 342,084 unroadworthy vehicles on South African roads.
| Province | Unroadworthy Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 176,450 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 40,878 |
| Western Cape | 40,815 |
The Law
Section 42(1) of the National Road Traffic Act strictly prohibits driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
“A fine of up to R4,000 can be issued, and the vehicle impounded. Offenders will further be liable for impoundment and storage costs,” warned RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“Commercial and public transport operators must carry out regular maintenance to avoid dangerous incidents. Both operators and drivers are responsible for ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before trips.”
Expired PrDPs
The RTMC also flagged an alarming backlog of expired Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) .
| Province | Expired PrDPs |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 108,788 |
| Western Cape | 47,480 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 29,077 |
| Mpumalanga | 27,808 |
Nationally: 338,649 expired PrDPs.
Human Behaviour
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy stressed that human behaviour remains the biggest threat on the roads.
“More than 80% of accidents are due to human behaviour. We are calling on every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take ownership of their conduct.”
Creecy, alongside Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, launched the Easter road safety campaign last week.
“Our law enforcement strategy will be uncompromising. Agencies have been directed to prioritise public and freight transport safety as well as pedestrians.”
The Bottom Line
The RTMC has the numbers. The law is clear. The fines are steep.
Gauteng leads the country in unroadworthy vehiclesand expired PrDPs.
Before you hit the road this Easter, check your vehicle, check your permit, and check your behaviour.
{Source: Citizen}
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